Rack Server with SAS Raid and SATA boot drive?

[legendgamesmaster]

Hi folks,
Ive recently acquired a Supermicro 2U rack server (SUPERSERVER 6025B-3) which has 8 SAS drives installed, on a RAID backplane.

http://supermicro.com/manuals/superserver/2U/MNL-0862.pdf

The Motherboard has 6 empty SATA ports on it. See page 5-10 for MB diagram.

My assumption is that the SATA ports are actually already used by the SAS drives, and so I can't just plug a spare SATA SSD into one as a boot drive (configures in bios etc)

I would love to be wrong!!!

If I am wrong... anyone done this and know how to carry it out properly?
Its not a production server, I'm just playing with it as a learning exercise.
much appreciated
ANdy

 

[ronintexas]

Just did a quick read - you should be able to utilize either 5.25" drive bay for SATA drives - including SSD. I usually create an OS drive separate from the RAID Array (data) for all my builds...you should be able to install drives in both 5.25" bays.

 

[legendgamesmaster]

Thanks for answering

That's what I first assumed, however I was wondering if the SATA ports were actually being used by the SAS backplane via the SAS/TA 0-3 and 4-7 ports???
going to give it a go anyway, and will report back.

Andy

 

[sprinkman]

Thanks for answering

That's what I first assumed, however I was wondering if the SATA ports were actually being used by the SAS backplane via the SAS/TA 0-3 and 4-7 ports???
going to give it a go anyway, and will report back.

Andy

No the Sata ports are not being used by the backplane or (dual-channel SCSI backplane). I removed mine completely and cleaned out everything not needed but windows needed to be reinstalled because it was too much of a drastic change in hardware. In the Bios first page close to the bottom you will notice that Raid is deactivated. Activate it there and also activate Sata. Then after re-installing windows or if you are using Linux with no changes needed, The computer will use the Sata drive for boot without changing the boot sequence. After cleaning out the board and wires not needed, it looks a lot cleaner and I built a plywood insulated cabinet with separate openings for in and out flow of air with a filter setup for intake. Nice! Some of the pictures will need to be turned to the right.

http://www.keepandshare.com/userpics/p/e/l/i/gro/2014-01/sm/20140119_120946-54652411.jpg?ts=1390266287
http://www.keepandshare.com/userpics/p/e/l/i/gro/2014-01/sm/20140119_121036-84522067.jpg?ts=1390266292
http://www.keepandshare.com/userpics/p/e/l/i/gro/2014-01/sm/20140119_120841-27288789.jpg?ts=1390266275
http://www.keepandshare.com/userpics/p/e/l/i/gro/2014-01/sm/20140119_120805-12892767.jpg?ts=1390266267
http://www.keepandshare.com/userpics/p/e/l/i/gro/2014-01/sm/20140119_121027-84440733.jpg?ts=1390266290